Hanover library settlement, snow removal draw public's ire

Borough accused of intimidation, dishonesty at council meeting

Hanover Borough Council members approved a 35,000 settlement with the Guthrie Gals LLC, the company that had previously leased a portion of Guthrie Memorial Library. (File)

The Hanover Borough Council was accused Wednesday of intimidation and lack of transparency by area residents, and even by one of its own members.

Council member Henry McLin publicly criticized his peers for the way they were handling the vote that would approve a $35,000 settlement with the Guthrie Gals LLC, the company that had previously leased a portion of the library.

During the meeting, members refused to provide information on the settlement, which was only documented in an addendum that was not given to the public.

"Well for one thing, I think this should have been included in the agenda that was sent out yesterday," McLin said. "I would also like a discussion as to how this $35,000 settlement came into being "¦ I would like it said in public."

Even after Hanover resident Pamela Mosher demanded to know why members refused to give the public more information, the council remained silent.

The settlement was approved 8-1, with McLin casting the single dissenting vote.

"I am ashamed of the council after tonight's performance," McLin said. "I think this is reprehensible, that we would do something like this, and without one word of public comment. Hiding behind a legal issue is unpardonable."

The $35,000 was to make good the alleged losses Guthrie Gals incurred after the borough broke its lease with the company in October, according to a news release handed out at the end of the meeting.

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The settlement is also meant to release the borough from any further obligations or liabilities regarding the canceled lease agreement, the release stated.

The council also moved to enter the Guthrie Memorial Library into an agreement with the York County Library System, a motion that almost went unnoticed because of the settlement discussion. The agreement permits the county to guide the library through a multi-year management process designed to maximize cost savings, review programs and coordinate fundraising.

The motion was carried with no public comment, with Councilwoman Kimberly Griffin casting the only dissenting vote.

With these two Guthrie Library-related topics up for vote, the council chamber was filled with more than 30 people. Yet the only topic attendees actually discussed during the time of public comment were concerns that business owners had for their stores along snow emergency routes, for which the council was once again criticized.

"We're just looking for a little more communication," said George Keriazes, co-owner of Famous Hot Wiener in downtown Hanover. "It's really difficult to bring customers in when they can't park anywhere. It seems like there's not a lot of give and take, and we are just looking to see if there is a solution where we can all help one another."

In response, Borough Manager Barb Krebs hailed the hard work the public utilities department completed over the winter season, which was significant, including 70 miles or roads and 40 miles of alleys to plow.

But Keriazes brought the discussion back to local businesses.

"One of the reasons we don't have more people here is because people are afraid of this board," Keriazes said. "They are intimidated by you guys and they feel that there is going to be repercussions in coming here. And I feel the same way "¦ I was just trying to see if there was anything better we could do."

After several moments of silence, Keriasez sat down as Council President John Gerken stated it would be best to let the dust settle and then have a meeting with public works to see if snow-removal plans can be improved for next year.

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